Navigation

Language / Accessibility Settings

Accessibility Selection

english (described)

english (captioned)

All About the Holidays: Kwanzaa

2 minutes

(female narrator)
Kwanzaa is a celebration
of African-American culture
and heritage
that starts on December 26.
It lasts until January 1,
and each of the seven days
is dedicated to a different
community-shaping principle,
such as creativity, faith,
unity, and cooperation.
People talk about
the principles
while gathering around
a table
decorated with fruits,
corn, and other crops.
They light red, black,
and green candles.
Sometimes people play music.
On the sixth day,
there's a feast,
and on the seventh day,
people exchange gifts.
Presents to children
are supposed to include books
and symbols
of African heritage.
Kwanzaa was first celebrated
in 1966,
but it's based on ancient
African harvest festivals.
The creators of Kwanzaa
encouraged African-Americans
to think about
their common culture
and to use it to keep families
and communities strong.
And that's Kwanzaa.